Higher education in Hamburg: universities, Bachelor's and Master's programs
- Higher education in Hamburg: universities, Bachelor's and Master's programs
- Features of Higher education in Hamburg
- Main universities in Hamburg
- Overview of Bachelor's programs in Hamburg
- Overview of Master's and Doctoral programs in Hamburg
- Tuition fees for International students in Hamburg
- Scholarships and grants for International students in Hamburg
- Life as an International student in Hamburg
- Work and career opportunities after studying in Hamburg
- Is Hamburg worth choosing for studies?
- Frequently Asked Questions

Master of Arts - Digital Content Creation
University of Europe for Applied Sciences - GermanyOur English-language Master's degree will immerse you in the realm of digital content creation, helping you to improve your creative talents and catapult yourself to the forefront of the digital innovation wave. Through a boundary-breaking integration of design and technology, this curriculum opens…

Master of Arts - Design Leadership
University of Europe for Applied Sciences - GermanyDesign and creativity are essential in the creation of meaningful and sustainable products in our fast-paced environment. Assuming accountability and articulating a vision for the group, users, and other participants in the creative process are hallmarks of a Design Leader. An enthusiastic atmosphere…

Bachelor of Arts - Comic and Concept Art
Berlin School of Business and InnovationDegree awarded by University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
The BA (Hons) Comic & Concept Art programme explores the world of comics and concept art and provides a foundation for creating large-scale universes similar to those made by Marvel and DC. This program is designed for artists…

Bachelor of Arts - Game Design
Berlin School of Business and InnovationDegree awarded by University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
The gaming industry has grown at an exponential rate in the twenty-first century, surpassing even the film industry in terms of worldwide income. These days, interactive digital experiences are a part of everything we do,…

Bachelor of Arts - Photography
Berlin School of Business and InnovationDegree awarded by University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
This three-year international route Bachelor of Arts in Photography will introduce you to the fundamentals of the creative industry, specifically focusing on photography, and provide you with the opportunity to refine a career…

Master of Arts - Game Design
Berlin School of Business and InnovationDegree awarded by University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
Our dynamic, immersive, 18-month MA in Game Design is an interdisciplinary program designed to advance your knowledge in the quickly changing field of interactive entertainment. We want you to become an expert researcher,…

Master of Arts - Photography
Berlin School of Business and InnovationDegree awarded by University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
The MA Photography programme provides interdisciplinary skills and subject-specific expertise to help you design your own learning path. This curriculum encourages creativity, critical thinking, and an international viewpoint.…

Master of Arts - User Experience Design
Berlin School of Business and InnovationDegree awarded by University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
How can design help us live in a rapidly changing world? The MA User Experience Design program at UCA prepares you to become a human-centered, multidisciplinary, research-led designer ready for future challenges and opportunities…
Higher education in Hamburg: universities, Bachelor's and Master's programs
Hamburg is one of Germany's largest and most dynamic cities, ranking among the country's most important educational and scientific centers. The city offers international students a wide selection of academic programs, high-quality teaching, as well as developed infrastructure and excellent quality of life. Thanks to its international orientation and numerous English-taught programs, Hamburg has become an attractive destination for higher education.
Features of Higher education in Hamburg
Higher education in Hamburg follows the European system comprising three levels: bachelor's, master's, and doctoral studies. Instruction is available in both German and English, particularly at the master's and doctoral levels. Hamburg's universities offer:
- Innovative academic programs with an international focus
- Modern technical equipment and research centers
- Close ties with regional industry and businesses
- Opportunities for academic mobility through Erasmus+ and other programs
Main universities in Hamburg
Hamburg is home to both public and private universities with high academic rankings. Below are four leading universities in the city:
1. Universität Hamburg (University of Hamburg)
The largest public university in the city, founded in 1919. Offers a wide range of programs in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and technical fields. Ranked among the world's top 200 universities by QS.
2. Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH)
A technical university specializing in engineering, computer science, and innovation. Renowned for its interdisciplinary programs and strong research base.
3. Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg)
A university of applied sciences with emphasis on practical training. Focuses on fields such as business, engineering, design, and healthcare. Many programs are taught in English.
4. Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI, Hamburg campus)
A private institution with international accreditation. Specializes in business education, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. The Hamburg campus offers English-taught bachelor's and master's programs designed for international students.
Overview of Bachelor's programs in Hamburg
Bachelor's programs in Hamburg typically last 6-8 semesters and cover diverse fields. International students can choose from:
- Business administration and international management
- Information technology and engineering
- Media and communications
- Architecture and design
- Biomedicine and natural sciences
Many universities offer English-taught programs. Admission requires a high school diploma, proof of language proficiency (TestDaF, IELTS/TOEFL), and in some cases, participation in preparatory courses (Studienkolleg).
Overview of Master's and Doctoral programs in Hamburg
Master's programs in Hamburg last 2-4 semesters and focus on advanced specialization. Current popular fields include:
- Economics and finance
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Sustainable development and ecology
- International relations
- Architecture and urban planning
Doctoral studies (Promotion) are available either as individual research projects or within research groups. Hamburg universities offer programs in collaboration with leading international institutions.
Tuition fees for International students in Hamburg
At public universities in Germany, including those in Hamburg, there are no tuition fees for most programs. However, students must pay a semester fee of 300-400 euros, which includes a transportation pass, student services, and administrative charges.
Private universities like BSBI set their own fees. For example, bachelor's programs may cost between 6,000 and 12,000 euros per year.
University Type | Tuition Fees (per year) |
---|---|
Public university | 0 € (semester fee only) |
Private university (BSBI etc.) | 6,000 to 12,000 € |
Scholarships and grants for International students in Hamburg
Hamburg offers various forms of financial support for international students:
- DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) - government scholarships for master's and research programs
- Deutschlandstipendium - merit-based scholarships
- University scholarships - for example, Universität Hamburg provides support for students in financial need
- Private foundations - such as Heinrich Böll Stiftung, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and others
Scholarship amounts range from 300 to 1,000 euros per month, depending on the program and conditions.
Life as an International student in Hamburg
Hamburg is a modern metropolis with developed transportation networks, cultural institutions, and good environmental quality. According to Numbeo.com, living costs are as follows:
- Accommodation (average): 400 to 700 euros per month
- Food and transportation: 250 to 400 euros
- Total monthly expenses: approximately 800-1,100 euros
- Crime Index: ~40.74 (moderately safe level)
The city is considered safe and welcoming to foreigners, especially students.
Work and career opportunities after studying in Hamburg
International students are permitted to work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. After graduation, it's possible to extend the visa for 18 months to seek employment in one's field.
Hamburg is a major economic hub with active sectors including:
- Logistics and international trade
- Finance and insurance
- Information technology
- Energy and sustainable development
- Creative industries
Many graduates successfully find employment with international companies operating in the region.
Is Hamburg worth choosing for studies?
Studying in Hamburg means:
- High-quality education and academic freedom
- Low or nonexistent tuition fees
- A European degree recognized worldwide
- Wide selection of English-taught programs
- International student community
- Employment prospects in Europe
Thus, Hamburg is an excellent choice for international students seeking quality education in the heart of Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to know German to study at a Hamburg university?
No, many programs are taught in English, especially at the master's level. However, knowing German will make daily life and integration easier.
2. What documents are required for admission?
High school diploma/university degree, language certificates (IELTS, TestDaF etc.), motivation letter, recommendation letters, CV.
3. Is it difficult to find accommodation in Hamburg?
Yes, demand for student housing is high. It's recommended to apply for dormitories early and consider private rentals.
4. What are the monthly living expenses for a student?
On average 800 to 1,100 euros per month, including accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
5. Can I stay in Germany after graduation?
Yes, graduates can stay in the country for up to 18 months to look for a job and then apply for a work visa.